Jessie Goetze on being a women in business and backing yourself
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
BUSINESS FEATURE
With International Women’s Day approaching, we’re spotlighting women shaping the Douglas Shire, including Jessie Goetze of Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty, who shares insights on leadership, resilience and the power of women supporting women.
Looking back, Jessie says her younger self would be proud of the way she stepped into real estate in 2006 while still running the photography business she launched at just 21.
READ RELATED STORY: From property to people, Jessie Goetze makes a difference
Entering what was, and often still is, a male-dominated industry, Jessie admits it would have been easy to shrink or second-guess herself.
“I’m proud I didn’t harden to be taken seriously,” she said.
“There were times I was underestimated and had to prove myself, but I backed myself, stayed heart-led, chose integrity over ego and built resilience without losing my warmth.”
That warmth shapes the purpose she finds in her work.
“Selling homes is rarely just about bricks and mortar, it’s often wrapped in grief, growth or new beginnings, and for many, it means courageously pursuing or letting go of the dream of calling Port Douglas home.
"My role is to guide people through that transition, balancing the emotional journey with the strongest possible financial outcome”
Lessons in slowing down
This year, however, her greatest lesson came from an unexpected place, a hospital bed, where being forced to step away from real estate’s fast pace gave her perspective.
“It forced me to slow down in a way I hadn’t chosen but clearly needed, and with it typically the quietest time of year and strong support around me, the timing felt like a lesson I was meant to learn,” she said.
In an industry that rewards constant availability, Jessie admitted she had long tied productivity to her sense of worth. The pause shifted that thinking.
“I realised my value isn’t measured by constant output or exhaustion, but by the leadership, standards and trust I’ve built over time.
“Sometimes growth doesn’t come from pushing harder, but from letting go and honouring your well-being, and surprisingly I’ve discovered I can still be just as productive."
Women supporting women
For Jessie, International Women’s Day is both celebration and recognition, especially of the invisible load many women carry.
“The mental juggling. The emotional labour. The resilience required to build businesses while raising children.
“As time goes on, more is asked of women, often with less support. Yet we adapt, we carry and we rise, not only doing our best, but often exceeding what was ever expected of us.
“I truly believe women are superhuman. I want my daughter and my sons to grow up recognising, respecting and honouring the strength and capability of women.”
In business, Jessie believes women’s emotional intelligence remains underestimated.
“The ability to read a room. To hear the unspoken. To sense hesitation, timing and tone.
“Many women lead through influence, collaboration and respect. For me, that means strong relationships and clients who feel respected and truly seen.
“Empathy doesn’t weaken business, it makes it stronger.”
In an industry known for being cut-throat, Jessie believes there is room for everyone.
“Success isn’t about dimming another woman’s light to get ahead. Lifting each other up and backing each other is powerful.
“I consciously support other women because I understand the unseen load they carry, and sometimes the most powerful support is simply reminding someone of their worth.”
Her advice to young women is simple: find a fantastic mentor, build a business aligned with your values and protect your health.
“Success matters, but no one ever regrets the time spent with the people they love.
“Time is the real currency. No amount of money is worth sacrificing your body. Stay true to who you are, invest in yourself, and remember, you may have to be your own cheerleader.”
Get in touch with Jessie here.
------------
Want to showcase your business or event with a business feature? Please contact [email protected]
